Set dramatically between prairies and peaks, the Stampede City of Calgary is a modern urban landscape surrounded by natural grandeur. Here you can savour the Rocky Mountain wilderness by day and enjoy world class cuisine and entertainment by night. It is one of Canada's key business centres, but also embraces its rich western heritage.
Calgarians seem to love all things speed related, like chuckwagon or bobsleigh racing. The legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics still resonates in the city, and its top sports facilities allow todays Olympic hopefuls train for gold. If you really want to get Immersed in Calgary’s wild west spirit, then a visit to one of the biggest rodeo shows on the planet - the Calgary Stampede is a must. Held every year in July, over one million revellers visit the city for ten days of non-stop action.
Getting to Calgary
Calgary International Airport is the gateway to Western Canada for many visitors, served by Air Canada, British Airways and Air Transat flights from the UK. It is situated on the Trans Canada Highway, just 2 hours drive from the Rocky Mountain resort of Banff. You may also arrive or depart by train onboard the spectacular 2 day Rocky Mountaineer - First Passage to the West journey to Vancouver via Kamloops.
Quick Facts
- Home of the 1988 Winter Olympics
- Host of the world famous Calgary Stampede rodeo show each July
- Population: one million plus
- Elevation: 1,139 m/3,740 ft above sea level
- There are over 8,000 hectares of park land within Calgary's city limits
- Canada's best selling cocktail, the Bloody Caesar, was invented in Calgary in 1969
- The popular Chinese dish Ginger Beef was invented in Calgary at the Silver Inn
There is so much to see and do in Calgary. The city is home to many exciting and fascinating attractions, so you'll be sure to give yourself enough time here to experience all it has to offer.
Aero Space Museum of Calgary - Over two dozen civilian, military, and commercial aircraft are all displayed within the museum's two full size hangars. Everything from Canada's first powered aircraft - the Silver Dart to the Majestic "Queen of the Sky" Lancaster Bomber. Just a quick hop from the Calgary Airport enjoy seeing aircraft up-close. There is even a photo opportunity inside a hot air balloon basket with a backdrop of the Calgary skyline. For an uplifting experience for young and old alike come to the Aero Space Museum of Calgary.
Calaway Park - Just 10kms west of Calgary along the Trans Canada Highway, Western Canada's largest outdoor family amusement park has 32 rides, 4 attractions, 26 games, stage shows, and much more! Unlimited rides, shows, attractions and parking are included for one easy daily admission price making it a great day out for all the family.
Calgary Stampede - The Calgary Stampede is a city wide celebration known as The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. For 10 days every July, it boasts the richest afternoon in rodeo, thrilling chuckwagon races, a spectacular theatrical presentation known as the Evening Grandstand Show, agricultural attractions and is one of Canada's largest music festivals.
Calgary Zoo - From the splendour of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, the Calgary Zoo takes you on an unforgettable journey to see over 1,000 animals from around the world. The new ENMAX Conservatory offers a relaxing space for visitors to enjoy the lush gardens and seasonal butterfly display.
Calgary Tower - Start your Calgary adventure 160 metres (that's 525 feet) in the air! Rising from the downtown core, the iconic Calgary Tower is a must-see experience. On the observation deck you will be greeted to a 360° panoramic view of the bustling city and the spectacular scenery of the prairies rolling to the majestic Rocky Mountains. The glass floor brings the experience to new heights as you are treated to a birds-eye view of the streets below.
Canada Olympic Park - The main site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games continues to be one of the world's finest recreation and winter sport facilities. It provides year-round attractions for families and kids of all ages in skiing, snowboarding, skating, mountain biking and Olympic sport camps. With activities ranging from public bobsleigh rides to North America's fastest zipline, the Olympic Park is always a source of activity and excitement.
National Music Centre - Music lovers can view one of the world’s largest collections of keyboard and electronic instruments as well as artifacts and memorabilia that will make up the National Music Centre Collection. Signature artifacts include Elton John’s former piano, artifacts from the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection.
Fort Calgary - This National Historic Site is the birthplace of the city of Calgary and an interactive interpretive centre. Discover how the hopes and dreams of the Mounted Police combined with early Calgary citizens shaped the city.
Glenbow Museum - Western Canada's largest museum is also an art gallery, library and archive. Its unique role as both a museum and art gallery means visitors can enjoy world-renowned art and fascinating historical exhibitions all under one roof. From hosting major international art shows to mounting exhibitions drawn from our collection of over a million artifacts, Glenbow is where art and culture matter.
Heritage Park Historic Village - Discover "How the West was Once" at Canada's largest living history museum. Explore the year-round Gasoline Alley Museum loaded with 54 unique and rare vehicles. Learn about Alberta’s most notorious whisky runner, experience a drive in movie theatre and more. In the summer, step further back in time at the lively historical village. Meet friendly pioneers, ride an authentic steam train, enjoy the antique midway and immerse yourself in Canada's old west.
Lougheed House - Built in 1891 and originally known as Beaulieu, French for beautiful place, Lougheed House is now a National Historic Site and Museum. Today visitors from around the world come to view and explore this mansion, to enjoy lunch or brunch in the restaurant and to stroll through the gardens.
TELUS Spark New Science Centre - This new purpose-built Science Centre is a place for people of all ages and abilities to explore and discover science, technology and art in new and amazing ways. Discover what makes the world so undeniably incredible by exploring over 100 exhibits, programs and demonstrations across four Galleries, an expanded and enhanced Creative Kids Museum and a Presentation Theatre, Calgary's only HD Digital Dome Theatre.
The Military Museums - Experience the victories, tragedies, and sacrifices of Canada's armed forces. Walk through a First World War trench, witness a bomber squadron’s mission over enemy territory, and experience life at the helm in a Second World War wheelhouse. The Military Museums is dedicated to representing Canada’s army, air force, and navy and to educating the public about Canada’s military.
Spaceport - Spaceport is a unique education and entertainment facility focusing on space and aeronautics. Located at Calgary International Airport, they make learning fun and accessible. Hands-on exhibits and displays, authentic Canadian Space Agency artifacts and knowledgable staff can help make your trip to the airport much more interesting.
